National urbanization policy, basic issues in urbanization policy.

1. Concept of Urbanization Policy

  • A national urbanization policy (NUP) is a framework by which the government directs the growth, distribution, and management of cities and towns.
  • It seeks to ensure balanced regional development, inclusive growth, and sustainable urbanization.
  • For India, which is projected to have 40% urban population by 2036 (Census of India projection), such a policy is critical.
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2. Evolution of Urbanization Policy in India

India has no single comprehensive urbanization policy document, but multiple initiatives, programmes, and committees have shaped the approach:

  • First & Second Five-Year Plans (1951–61): Focus on rural development, little attention to cities.
  • Third & Fourth Plans (1961–74): Recognition of rapid urban growth, emergence of metropolitan planning.
  • National Commission on Urbanisation (NCU, 1986): Landmark effort; stressed strengthening of small and medium towns, reducing pressure on metros, and promoting balanced regional growth.
  • Post-1990s (Economic Liberalization): Market-driven urbanization, rise of SEZs, industrial corridors.
  • 21st Century Missions:
    • JNNURM (2005), AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission, HRIDAY, PMAY (2015 onwards).
    • These programmes together act as de facto national urban policy instruments.

3. Objectives of a National Urbanization Policy

  • Balanced regional development: Avoid over-concentration in metros.
  • Inclusive growth: Housing, services, and jobs for the poor and migrants.
  • Economic efficiency: Promote cities as engines of growth.
  • Environmental sustainability: Green infrastructure, waste management, resilience.
  • Strengthening urban governance: Empower urban local bodies (ULBs).
  • Urban–rural linkages: Promote intermediate towns and counter-magnets.

Basic Issues in Urbanization Policy

1. Demographic & Spatial Issues

  • Over-concentration in metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai).
  • Weak growth of small and medium towns, leading to uneven development.
  • Urban sprawl, peri-urban growth, and unplanned settlements.
  • Migration pressure creating slums and informal settlements.

2. Housing and Infrastructure Issues

  • Housing shortage: ~29 million units needed (mainly for low-income groups).
  • Proliferation of slums and squatter settlements.
  • Deficient basic services (water, sanitation, electricity).
  • Inadequate urban transport and congestion.

3. Economic Issues

  • Cities as engines of growth, but lack of planning reduces productivity.
  • Informal sector dominance → poor working conditions, low wages.
  • Weak integration of urban policy with industrial and employment policies.

4. Social Issues

  • Rising inequality and segregation in urban areas.
  • Lack of inclusivity for migrants, women, and marginalized groups.
  • Poor access to education, healthcare, and public spaces in many towns.

5. Environmental Issues

  • Air and water pollution, inadequate solid waste management.
  • Disappearance of lakes, wetlands, and urban green spaces.
  • Climate risks: flooding, heat islands, coastal vulnerability.

6. Governance and Institutional Issues

  • Weak capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) despite 74th Constitutional Amendment.
  • Lack of financial autonomy → dependence on state/central funds.
  • Multiplicity of agencies → poor coordination (water, transport, land use under different authorities).
  • Gaps in urban data, monitoring, and enforcement of master plans.

Summary Table

Issue AreaKey Problems
DemographicOvercrowding in metros, weak small towns, migration pressure
Housing & InfraShortage of affordable housing, slums, poor basic services
EconomicLow productivity, informal sector, poor integration with industrial policy
SocialInequality, exclusion of poor/migrants, lack of social infrastructure
EnvironmentalPollution, waste mismanagement, climate risks
GovernanceWeak ULBs, financial dependence, overlapping agencies

✅ In summary:
India’s urbanization policy has evolved gradually, but challenges persist. The basic issues revolve around imbalanced growth, inadequate housing & infrastructure, weak governance, and environmental degradation. A comprehensive National Urbanization Policy should address these with integrated planning, inclusive strategies, and sustainable urban growth models.